Officer, Government & Indigenous Relations

Reference Number : 1390 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $77,112 - $90,720

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 08/28/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

Reporting to the Senior Advisor, Government and Community Relations, and indirectly to the Vice-President, Government and Indigenous Relations, the Advisor supports the Government Relations team in all projects and activities implemented to achieve the Corporation’s objectives.

You will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including managing parliamentary questions and appearances, overseeing the parliamentary rail pass program, publishing a quarterly external newsletter, and following up on partnership requests, including contract execution and signature processes. You will also be expected to provide strategic input into the development and implementation of the Government Relations and Indigenous Relations plans, as well as the activities arising from them. In this capacity, you will play a key role in preparing briefing notes for senior executives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive, track, and manage parliamentary questions within the deadlines established by Parliament, and contribute to the preparation of the Corporation’s appearances before House of Commons and Senate committees;

• Coordinate the rail pass program for Members of Parliament and Senators, as well as requests for information or intervention from federal, provincial, and municipal elected officials;

• Prepare briefing notes for senior management in support of speaking engagements, tours, and meetings with elected officials and stakeholders. Contribute to the strategy and coordination of executive tours and activities associated with Board of Directors meetings;

• Coordinate all stages of partnership development, including negotiations, visibility opportunities, and the organization’s presence within partnership initiatives;

• Participate in the development of the Government Relations plan and in the implementation of identified activities;

• Act as the lead project coordinator for initiatives involving other business units, including the organization of events and activities such as Canada Day celebrations, parliamentary days, and similar initiatives;

• Attend selected political meetings alongside the Senior Advisor or Vice-President, prepare meeting summaries, and ensure the required follow-up actions are completed;

• Monitor government activities and developments, keeping colleagues informed of any information that could potentially affect the Corporation’s operations and interests;

• Prepare and write a quarterly newsletter intended for external stakeholders;

• Support Government Relations team initiatives as required by supervisors.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Undergraduate degree in Political Science, Communications, Law, or another related discipline combined with relevant experience;
• Excellent command of both English and French, spoken and written;
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, preferably within a minister’s office, ideally at the federal level;
• Strong knowledge of the political environment across all levels of government;
• Knowledge of or experience in Indigenous relations is considered an asset;
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and Outlook);
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence tools is considered an asset;
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with respect to follow-up and coordination;
• High level of integrity and respect for confidentiality;
• Strong team player with flexibility and the ability to work independently;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and perform effectively under pressure;
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess issues from a broad perspective and develop innovative solutions;
• Proven ability to communicate, influence, and advocate effectively;
• Ability to present and debate ideas effectively;
• Excellent analytical, synthesis, and conceptual thinking skills;
• Collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to partnership and teamwork;
• Initiative, autonomy, curiosity, creativity, and adaptability;
• Willingness to travel frequently within Canada;
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal business hours in response to operational needs or emerging events.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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